A magnificent punch bowl in the ‘Flora’ pattern made in c1855 by Marple & Turner, who were a Staffordshire-based pottery in the Upper Hanley Works, Stoke-on-Trent. The partnership was dissolved in 1855. The ironstone pedestal bowl is in excellent condition and measures 18cm high with a diameter of 25cm.
 
Punch was a very popular drink in the 18th and 19th centuries and there were terribly fashionable ‘punch houses’ in places like London where the glitterati of the day hung out. The drink was brought back from India to England by the sailors and employees of the British East India Company in the early seventeenth century.  It was served in punch bowls, usually ceramic or silver, which were often elaborately decorated. Punch bowls sometimes had lids or were supported on a stand; other accessories such as a serving ladle and cups in which to serve the drink sometimes accompanied the punch bowl.  
 
We have planted up this collectible piece with magnificent ‘Bellissimo’ orchids by Opti-Flor, the gold standard of orchids. They will flower for ages and will continue to thrive as a plant if put in its happy place. We include very detailed care instructions along with the provenance.
 
This potted plant will be delivered by us or can be picked up from our barn in OX49 5AA.